The River-to-River Trail Society begins its fall hiking schedule 10 a.m. Saturday with a hike at Beech Hollow in Rudement up to Williams Hill in Pope County.

All hikes are open to the public free of charge. All hikes begin at 10 a.m. unless otherwise announced.

Most hikes are of moderate difficulty, intended for people in reasonably good health who have done some walking. Boots or sturdy shoes are highly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.

Despite canceling a hike Oct. 12 to Lusk Creek, The River to River Trail Society believes the remaining hikes should not be impacted by the federal partial shutdown of the government, though that is subject to change. Currently, designated recreational areas and offices are closed.

The schedule is:

Oct. 19 — Beech Hollow to Williams Hill in Saline and Pope counties with Brian DeNeal leading. Meet 10 a.m. at the Rudement Church on state Route 34 in Rudement.

The River-to-River Trail Society is a not-for-profit organization founded by John O'Dell during the 1990s to promote completion of the River-to-River Trail, which now runs through the Shawnee National Forest between Elizabethtown on the Ohio River and Grand Tower on the Mississippi River.

The Society engages in trail maintenance and advocacy and offers guided public hikes during the spring and fall hiking seasons. It also publishes a trail guide to the entire River-to-River Trail, available for $25 plus $5 postage and handling ($30 total), from the Society's headquarters at 1142 Winkleman Road, Harrisburg, Ill. 62946.